If you knew that being kinder to yourself would improve the quality of your life by two percent, would you do it? What about three percent or more? With all that we now know about brain function and self-directed neuroplasticity, the possibilities

for improving our lives, and the lives of others, are bountiful!

In this issue we will explore what it means to be self-compassionate, introduce self-compassion-based exercises, and discuss the proven benefits of adding self-compassion to the basic routines of your everyday life. In other words, my intention is to use what I've assembled here to help you tip the scales of happiness and wellbeing in your favor using researched-based tips and tools. So, how about it? Are you willing to invest a few minutes of your time to explore this possibility? I hope so!

Rather than give you a quick definition of self-compassion, which can seem flat and uninspiring, I will equip you with a meaningful description of how you might understand self-compassion through the lens of your own experience. In fact, Kristin Neff, the top researcher on self-compassion in the United States suggests that to truly understand self-compassion, you must first recall what it feels like to have compassion for others. This involves the act of noticing another person's pain; feeling moved by their affliction, and, then, offering them some form of understanding and kindness, which includes refraining from judging them for their situation and shortcomings in life. After all, they're only human.

Similarly, practicing self-compassion means offering yourself the same type of unconditional positive regard you would extend to a loved one in pain. Namely, noticing when it is that you are suffering, feeling moved by this realization, and, then, offering yourself some form of understanding and kindness--recognizing that suffering and imperfection are an inherent part of the human condition.

Now, to hear the description of self-compassion in Dr. Neff's own words, click the link below...

"Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff, Ph.D.

The Proven Benefits Self-Compassion

Research is starting to examine self-compassion using experimental manipulations as well as the application of self-compassion techniques used in self-compassion training programs. This growing body of research suggests that self-compassion is strongly linked to psychological health. In particular, higher levels of self-compassion have been associated with the following:

I would argue that theory is only has helpful as it is practical. That said; the following are two self-compassion-based exercises that are as practical as they are guided by scientific study into the benefits of self-compassion, and informed by age-old philosphical practices taught in the East. You can use them anytime, anywhere!

NFL

Being too hard on yourself? Try practicing self-compassion by using the three steps of NFL:

Step one:

NOTICE

Notice that your being hard yourself about a mistake you've made or something you're not particularly proud of.